Helmet longevity

[vickster]

Now this is not a debate about whether or not a helmet is needed - I myself personally for one feel safer wearing a helmet and I don't care whether or not others wear them so

I have a Giro Indicator which I have had for a few years, has served me well, comfy blah blah...however, I do have a tendency to drop it when hands are full etc The plastic is a little scratched but the polystyrene is in tact, like a piece of toast it always falls on the same side.

Do helmets have a lifespan or is when clearly damaged/disintegrating the only time they need changing? There is a nice Specialized one on sale for £20 that would match my bikes but I really don't need to spend more money on bike kit if no point!

TIA for any thoughts

 

[sabian92]

Apparently you're supposed to replace them after a hard knock (or crash, obviously). It's up to you if you do or not, but personally after a few hard drops I'd probably replace it considering the age of it too.

 

[vickster]

Thanks Sabian...anyone else?

 

[edindave]

Replace after 5 years according to DfT guidelines.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Cycling/DG_10026401

 

[MGBLemonrider]

a drop shouldn't harm the helmet as the polystyrene liner hasn't had to absorb/cushion/deform during the impact as the helmet isn't containing anything ie your head. The outer shell may suffer cosmetic damage I'd doubt this will effect it's serviceability and in an impact burst apart allowing the liner to burst through preventing it from protecting your head. In such a scenario there'd be so much energy you'd be toast anyway.

My helmet must be 15 years old with only heavy usage in the last couple, including a sideways kerb knock falling off in the snow. I'd perhaps ought to replace it due to possible chemical deterioration due to grease etc from my non flowing locks etc and the non visible impact damage from that crash.

As they can only do so much and the principle reason I wear it is should the big one happen my family won't loose on reductions due to contributory negligence, followed by low energy impact protection, I'll get around to it one day.

IMHO & YMMV


sorry about the last two paragraphs a bit helmet debate ish,

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

.

a drop shouldn't harm the helmet as the polystyrene liner hasn't had to absorb/cushion/deform during the impact as the helmet isn't containing anything ie your head. The outer shell may suffer cosmetic damage I'd doubt this will effect it's serviceability and in an impact burst apart allowing the liner to burst through preventing it from protecting your head. In such a scenario there'd be so much energy you'd be toast anyway.

My helmet must be 15 years old with only heavy usage in the last couple, including a sideways kerb knock falling off in the snow. I'd perhaps ought to replace it due to possible chemical deterioration due to grease etc from my non flowing locks etc and the non visible impact damage from that crash.

As they can only do so much and the principle reason I wear it is should the big one happen my family won't loose on reductions due to contributory negligence, followed by low energy impact protection, I'll get around to it one day.

IMHO & YMMV


sorry about the last two paragraphs a bit helmet debate ish,

+1

 

[Night Train]

I bought a new helmet for £36 recently after many years without. I decided to replace it after a couple weeks due to a fall where I landed on the front right, grazing the helmet and ripping off the visor, and then my bike landed on the left side just behind my ear putting a semi cylindrical dent in it that went through the plastic and cracked the polystyrene underneath.

I would replace on that basis, crack the polystyrene and it is binned. If they only have a 5 year life then I would replace then too.

I look after my motorbike helmet really carefully to ensure it doesn't get any knocks so I do likewise with my cycle helmet.

 

[ufkacbln]

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute is a US based organisation whose advice is usually sound.

They list all sorts of reasons for replacing, including some elementary checks.

However they do (ironically) point out that many of the older designs are better and safer than modern designs and you may be more dangerous and protective than your old one!